CRISTIANO Ronaldo has pledged to fight back after his recent spell of poor form - and believes he can fulfil his goals promise to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

CRISTIANO Ronaldo has pledged to fight back after his recent spell of poor form - and believes he can fulfil his goals promise to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 19-year-old was allowed a pre-Christmas break back home in Madeira by the Reds boss to ward off burn-out following a hectic summer at Euro 2004 and the Olympics with Portugal. But the 19-year-old has still been the subject of criticism over his form during the festive season.

However, Ronaldo told MUTV viewers in a phone-in that it has nothing to do with tiredness or so-called `second-season syndrome'.

"I don't think this season has been harder for me. Every player has his good and bad moments," said the winger.

"I accept that at the moment I am not having a good spell. My form isn't good, but I will work hard to get it back.

Determined

"I will do my best and come back stronger. It is the same for the team. I know we all go through bad moments, and when you get criticism, you have to be strong mentally to get through those times.

"I am a keen learner, and have been all my life, and that will help. I learn from the players, the manager and the coaches.

"The break I had back home in Madeira was very good, and I spent it relaxing with family and friends, and I must thank the manager for understanding my position."

Ronaldo bagged six goals for the Reds last season, having been bought in the summer of 2003 for é12.5m from Sporting Lisbon. This time, he has managed just one goal, against Southampton at the start of December.

"I told the manager then that I could get 10 this season, and I think it is still possible if my bad luck goes away," he added.

"I have hit the post seven times this season, and that has been very frustrating.

"If I had got those, then I'd be near that total I promised.

"I need goals for my confidence, and I'm hoping my luck will change."

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